The jury in Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens's corruption trial convicted him on seven counts this afternoon. The jury decided Stevens was guilty of failing to report gifts of more than $250,000.

The deadline for candidate replacement or withdrawal in Alaska was September 17. If Stevens resigned immediately and promised not to serve if he is reelected next week, Gov. Palin could appoint a Republican to serve out the rest of Stevens's term.

Unfortunately, any unofficial Republican replacement candidate would have to face an insurmountable hurdle next week in asking Alaskans to vote for a convicted felon. Stevens announced in a statement this evening: “I am innocent. This verdict is the result of the unconscionable manner in which the Justice Department lawyers conducted this trial. I ask that Alaskans and my Senate colleagues stand with me as I pursue my rights. I remain a candidate for the United States Senate. I will come home on Wednesday and ask for your vote.”